One of the best retro gaming controllers we've ever tested is finally getting a successor
The 8BitDo Pro 3 has just been announced by the popular controller brand
It's due to release in August in the US, and October in the UK
Pre-orders have now begun at Amazon
Controller manufacturer 8BitDo has announced its next big gamepad, the 8BitDo Pro 3. It'll be a successor to the 8BitDo Pro 2, which remains listed in our guide to the best Xbox controllers and is a superb budget retro gaming option.
The brand revealed the 8BitDo Pro 3 controller via its official X / Twitter account. You're able to pre-order it now for $69.99 / £59.99 at Amazon, and it'll begin shipping from August 12, 2025 in the US. However, UK folks will seemingly have to wait a bit longer until October 10, 2025.
Color-wise it comes in three flavors; a SNES-inspired 'G Classic', a more traditional 'Gray', and an eye-catching 'Purple' variant.
The 8BitDo Pro 3 sounds like it has a mightily impressive feature set, packing Hall effect-like TMR thumbsticks, extra remappable bumper buttons, Hall effect triggers, and Trigger locks.
For me, though, the standout feature has to be its swappable magnetic face buttons, as well as the optional joystick modules that could make the 8BitDo Pro 3 perfect for the best fighting games. And much like the 8BitDo Pro 2 before it, likely also a great fit for retro gaming, be that on PC or via Nintendo Switch Online's various retro libraries.
On that note, 8BitDo has confirmed the controller is compatible with both Switch and Switch 2, as well as PC, Mac, SteamOS, and Android devices.
While this initial model doesn't appear to be compatible with Xbox like its predecessor, there's the possibility another model will be made for the console, as 8BitDo tends to do with its other pads including the 8BitDo Ultimate 2.
You might also like...
Cyberpunk 2077 update 2.3 will take immersion to the next level with realistic taxis and more
Another Pokémon Presents teaser has dropped, this time with an image of Pikachu in front of a rather ominous DJ deck
Nintendo's anti-piracy rules have got one Switch 2 owner's console banned after they bought pre-owned games that they later found out were cloned
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Forbes
15 minutes ago
- Forbes
Meeting The AI Era Power Demand Through Collaboration
Javier Cavada, President and CEO of EMEA at Mitsubishi Power. Every time we ask ChatGPT a question, stream our favorite series or look up directions on our phone, we're tapping into a surge of electricity that's quietly reshaping our world. Behind the screens and servers, we are witnessing the expansion of data centers at an incredible rate—and with them, our skyrocketing appetite for power. Recent reports, including one from the International Energy Agency (IEA), project that energy demand from AI-driven data centers is set to quadruple globally by 2030. This is echoed in the U.S. and regions across the world. In the UK, data center electricity consumption is forecast to rise from 2.5% of total usage today to nearly 6% by 2030. Across Europe, the rise is expected to more than triple. These are signs of a shift already underway. The digital economy is growing exponentially, and it needs reliable power that can keep up. What's compounding the situation is that this surge in demand is happening just as the global community is doubling down on climate goals. So, the real question becomes: How will we keep pace with the power needs of the future without compromising our progress toward Net Zero? Where We've Been And Where We're Heading As we transition to energy systems that are majority renewable-powered, the grid requires more support and storage to balance supply and demand from wind and solar, which are intermittent. Gas provides what we call dispatchable power—power that can be dialed up and down almost instantaneously to support intermittent forms of power. But, as my work with power operators has shown me, electricity is growing as a share of the overall power mix as the electrification of power, heat and transport increases. Electricity, once just another utility, is now central to everything. It's becoming the foundation of all infrastructure—not just digital but also transportation, manufacturing, and the heating and cooling of homes and cities. And as that happens, electricity is becoming a much bigger share of global emissions. That's why it's important that how we generate power evolves as fast as how we consume it. The recent power outage in Spain and Portugal demonstrated that we live in an increasingly interconnected world. Simply put, we depend on many individuals to meet our power needs—and increasingly, people want those needs met with clean power. While technology developers have a central role, I believe it is only through partnerships that we can scale these technologies to enable widespread decarbonization. Delivering Climate-Responsible Power We don't necessarily have to choose between digital innovation and climate responsibility; if we get it right, we can achieve both. Of course, there are challenges to this. The growth of data centers, especially those driving AI, brings unique demands. These facilities can't afford a second of downtime. Cooling systems must run continuously, computing loads are relentless, and every backup needs a backup. That kind of unbreakable reliability comes only from a well-balanced energy system. One impactful change we can make today is modernizing fossil-fuel-based infrastructure. Around 16% of Europe's electricity still comes from coal-fired power plants—and in some countries, it's higher. Replacing coal with modern, high-efficiency gas turbines could cut emissions by more than 60%. This demonstrates the importance of moving toward power sources that are low-to-zero-carbon. However, if we want to scale the options available to us, I believe we need to set in motion a wider value chain that unlocks investment and de-risks growth. A major part of development is creating a supportive policy environment. As leaders, we all have a role to play to ensure innovation and technology are enabled to succeed—starting with our business operations. We don't need to wait for new inventions; we just need to implement what's already proven. In my experience, that typically happens through collaboration with partners like investors, policymakers, utilities, developers, off-takers and end-users. Business leaders fall into one or more of these groups—and they have the influence to act. Part of acting is taking responsibility within our own companies for questions like, "How is our power demand being met? By whom? And how clean is it?" The scale of this transition can feel overwhelming, but it's a historic opportunity. The rise of data centers and the energy they require is the perfect reason for us to double down on building the clean energy systems we need anyway. Placing Power Demand In Concert With Climate Needs Across Europe, power security is a major part of the conversation, and I've observed growing recognition that clean solutions must be part of the equation. But we need more clarity, consistency and urgency. Every data center built without a clean, resilient power plan is a missed opportunity. AI can help—not just in generating demand but in managing the grid efficiently, forecasting usage and optimizing dispatch. The more digital our infrastructure becomes, the more "intelligent" our energy systems must be. The demands of AI and the climate do not have to be in conflict; innovation in digital technologies can be matched by innovation in energy. More than just engineering better turbines or blending fuels, this is about powering a new era where reliability and sustainability go hand-in-hand. The electricity that powers our lives today should also protect our future. That's the challenge. But with the right choices, it can also be the solution. Forbes Business Council is the foremost growth and networking organization for business owners and leaders. Do I qualify?
Yahoo
22 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Amazon Investors Search for Signs of AI Lift With Shares Lagging
(Bloomberg) -- Aggressive spending on artificial intelligence is mostly being rewarded in the stock market these days. But when it comes to Inc., not so much. Why the Federal Reserve's Building Renovation Costs $2.5 Billion Milan Corruption Probe Casts Shadow Over Property Boom How San Jose's Mayor Is Working to Build an AI Capital Amazon's shares have gained about 3% this year despite the company's heavy outlays on AI, which it is touting as a path to greater efficiency and higher sales growth. That's left the stock lagging the S&P 500's 7% gain, while a peer like Meta Platforms Inc., which is sparing no expense in its quest for AI dominance, is up more than 20%. 'The stock isn't getting much credit for AI,' said Brian Recht, portfolio manager at Janus Henderson. 'Investors want to see whether Amazon can actually deliver on using it for improved profitability, but we think evidence of AI benefits will become more clear by the quarter.' AI has re-emerged as a key factor separating technology winners from losers in the stock market, after fears about the proliferation of advanced AI models developed on the cheap in China sparked a selloff earlier in the year. Meta, Microsoft Corp. and Nvidia Corp. are the S&P 500's three leading point gainers for 2025, while firms like Apple Inc. that are struggling with AI have seen their shares drop. Although Amazon boasts a diverse set of businesses including cloud computing and advertising, the company is facing pressure from tariffs in its e-commerce operations, which account for the bulk of sales. Most of the focus on AI contributions have been centered around Amazon Web Services, which is expected to benefit from increased customer demand as AI adoption speeds up. But the impact on Amazon's retail division could turn out to be equally sizable, according to Recht. AI has been touted as a better way to target consumers with ads and products and to improve efficiency in Amazon's logistics network and warehouses. The company has also been promoting its Rufus chatbot to help shoppers sort through products, reviews and prices. Growth Challenges When Amazon reports second-quarter results on July 31, the company is expected to deliver earnings per share of $1.32 on revenue of $162 billion, according to the average of analyst estimates compiled by Bloomberg. That would be an increase of 4% and 9%, respectively, from the same period a year ago. The average earnings growth for the Magnificent Seven is expected to be 15%, with revenue expanding 12%, according to Bloomberg Intelligence. Amazon is projected to pour $104 billion into capital expenditures this year, the most in the S&P 500 by far, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. Beyond computing infrastructure, that sum includes warehouse construction and other expenses related to the company's logistics network. In June, it reported commitments to invest at least $30 billion in data center projects in Pennsylvania and North Carolina. Last week, Amazon announced job cuts in its cloud-computing division, citing the need to invest and 'optimize resources.' Chief Executive Officer Andy Jassy has said he expects the company's workforce to decline over the next few years as it hands off more tasks to AI. Robotics is another area where Amazon investors are excited about the potential for improving efficiencies in logistics and warehouse operations. The company is designing an indoor obstacle course to train humanoid robots as part of a plan to automate package delivery, the Information reported last month. Using robotics in delivery could unlock more than $7 billion in annual savings for Amazon by 2032, according to Bank of America estimates. Those kinds of efficiencies suggest Amazon's retail business could be the 'most under-appreciated GenAI beneficiary in the tech space,' Morgan Stanley analysts wrote in a note last month. Humanoid Robots Hold Key to Manufacturing Future: Tech In Depth 'Retail margins are narrow, so Amazon needs all the productivity boosts it can get, and there are huge use cases for AI and robotics within warehouses,' said Irene Tunkel, chief US equities strategist at BCA Research. 'This is something that will play out over five or 10 years, but Amazon is at the forefront of it, and that definitely gives them an edge.' Top Tech Stories Microsoft Corp.'s server software was exploited by unidentified hackers, with analysts warning of widespread cybersecurity breaches across the globe. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co.'s market value closed above $1 trillion for the first time in Taipei last week, with a raised sales forecast driven by robust artificial intelligence demand. European private equity firm Perwyn is in the process of finalizing a deal to buy a minority stake in French software firm SoftNext, according to people with knowledge of the matter. When the first foldable iPhone debuts next year, it will be the least Apple-like launch ever. Earnings Due Monday Earnings Premarket: Roper Earnings Postmarket: NXP Semi Calix Agilysys --With assistance from Subrat Patnaik. A Rebel Army Is Building a Rare-Earth Empire on China's Border Elon Musk's Empire Is Creaking Under the Strain of Elon Musk Thailand's Changing Cannabis Rules Leave Farmers in a Tough Spot How Starbucks' CEO Plans to Tame the Rush-Hour Free-for-All What the Tough Job Market for New College Grads Says About the Economy ©2025 Bloomberg L.P. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
42 minutes ago
- Yahoo
FCA plans to regulate BNPL-industry reaction
The FCA has long been calling for BNPL to be regulated-and finally there is light at the tunnel. According to the FCA, BNPL lending has grown in the UK from £60m in 2017 to more than £13bn in 2024. FCA research on unregulated BNPL found 1-in-5 (20%) UK adults (10.9 million) had used it at least once in the 12 months to May 2024, up from 17% (8.8 million) in 2022. Despite not yet having regulatory oversight of BNPL firms, the FCA has already secured changes to unfair contract terms and warned firms about misleading advertising. BNPL regulation-industry reaction A Clearpay spokesperson commented: 'With the FCA publishing its proposed rules to regulate Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL), the 12-month countdown is now on. We will support the FCA as it consults on and finalises its specific rules for the sector. Coming into force on 15 July 2026, regulation will establish a consistent operating environment and clear compliance standards for all providers. Clearpay has always called for fit-for-purpose regulation that ensures consumer protection, provides much-needed innovation in consumer credit and supports the UK's thriving FinTech sector. 'Clearpay research highlighted that nearly half of UK adults (48%) are more likely to use BNPL once regulation is passed, and with 71% believing that it is important for BNPL to be subject to UK financial legislation, today's announcement will help foster trust among consumers. It will also create a more sustainable foundation for the future of BNPL as it continues to grow as an everyday payment option for consumers.' Hyder Jumabhoy, Partner at international law firm White & Case LLP and Global Co-head of its Financial Institutions Industry Group The FCA's tightening of regulations around the BNPL sector in the UK will subject lenders to more robust consumer protection and tougher credit check requirements. Alongside the rise in interest rates pushing up the cost of capital to providers, compliance with these changes is likely to increase operating costs and squeeze margins further for many BNPL providers. This will create pressure on BNPL firms to scale-up their compliance functions, but it could also drive a wave of consolidation in the market, especially among smaller providers. Challenger banks could be particularly active in this space, seeking to enhance their consumer lending propositions by acquiring BNPL platforms with established merchant networks and user bases. Sarah Pritchard, deputy chief executive, FCA We have long called for BNPL products to be brought into our remit, so people can benefit from BNPL while being protected. Our regulation will help consumers navigate their financial lives, with checks on whether they can afford to repay, support when things go wrong and access to the right information to make informed decisions. We're mainly relying on existing requirements, including the Consumer Duty, rather than proposing to make lots of new rules, supporting growth and allowing firms to innovate. Samuel Riordan, Executive Director of banking & payments, Capco The new BNPL protections prioritise stronger affordability checks and complaint options for consumers if something goes wrong. The challenge will be ensuring this doesn't erode the core experience that has driven BNPL's popularity. Many BNPL firms will already have plans underway: developing more robust and exhaustive affordability checks, enhancing refunds and dispute management processes, and embedding new expertise for complaints submitted to the Financial Ombudsman. This is a big step towards enhancing consumer protections for a fast-growing product, that has attracted millions of consumers across the UK due to its seamless checkout experience and customer centric flexibility. The balance will need to be struck between strengthening the regulators controls over a new part of the market and ensuring customers' choice and experience remains at the heart of these innovators business models. Richard Pinch, Senior Director of Risk, Broadstone. As the FCA moves to tighten regulations around the Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) sector, providers will be under increasing pressure to enhance creditworthiness and affordability assessments and also demonstrate robust consumer protections. This marks a significant shift away from the relatively light-touch model BNPL firms have operated under, and places greater emphasis on affordability checks, credit reporting and fair treatment of borrowers. In addition, the extension of Section 75 protections for consumers will mean firms will be jointly responsible with retailers for faulty or undelivered goods placing even more responsibility on risk and compliance teams to oversee merchant partners. All this in combination will pose a challenge to BNPL lenders, particularly those at the smaller end of the market, as those firms will need stronger data capabilities, credit risk assessment and monitoring tools to meet the FCA's expectations. It is likely that these pressures could trigger consolidation within the market as smaller players are absorbed by those with greater capacity and finances to meet these new demands. "FCA plans to regulate BNPL-industry reaction" was originally created and published by Retail Banker International, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Sign in to access your portfolio
